Description
Garlic lovers unite for this irresistible Garlic Chicken Pasta, a delightful Italian-inspired comfort dish packed with rich, velvety flavors. Smooth cream sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta combine to create a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (453 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) dry pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup (150 grams) tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups (60 grams) spinach, chopped (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring an al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Generously coat chicken breast with a blend of aromatic spices including garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place seasoned chicken and sear until a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches safe cooking point, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet and melt butter, then introduce finely chopped garlic. Sauté until fragrant and releasing its intense aroma.
- Gently incorporate diced tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their natural juices for 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and integrate seamlessly with the developing sauce.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently until completely melted and creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.
- Slice the perfectly cooked chicken into elegant medallions and reintroduce to the skillet. Add reserved pasta and thoroughly coat with the creamy sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously dressed.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for enhanced richness.
Notes
- Customize protein choices by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Reduce cream calories by substituting half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
- Toast minced garlic briefly to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent burning, creating a more complex and aromatic sauce profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 748
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 169 mg